Valentine, players support Lackey

Friday

Aug 10, 2012 at 7:25 PM

CLEVELAND -- A day after a CSNNE column made waves by discussing John Lackey's postgame drinking, manager Bobby Valentine clarified that Lackey was well within his rights to enjoy a beer after the team's 5-3 loss on Thursday.

Tim Britton

CLEVELAND -- A day after a CSNNE column made waves by discussing John Lackey's postgame drinking, manager Bobby Valentine clarified that Lackey was well within his rights to enjoy a beer after the team's 5-3 loss on Thursday.

Valentine notably prohibited beer from the Boston clubhouse at Fenway Park. On the road, however, the home team's rules apply, and the Red Sox have been able to drink in their clubhouse on the road all season. There was nothing unusual, then, on Thursday night.

Asked if Lackey violated team rules in any way, Valentine pointed to the mini fridge in his Progressive Field office.

"That's beer right there," he said. "If you came in here [last night], you would have seen a pretty heaping pile of empty bottles by the time I left. And I dare say there were a whole bunch of games this year at home that I would have liked to have the ability to make a big pile."

The players, it should be noted, also came to Lackey's defense earlier in the day, saying he has helped keep the clubhouse loose during a difficult season. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the right-hander is allowed to travel with the team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, just as Rich Hill did at various stages last season.

Twitter: @TBritton_Projo

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